UPDATED: Representative John Arnold, the Union County Democrat at the center of a sexual harassment scandal has resigned late Friday.

Gov. Steve Beshear confirmed in a statement sent to Pure Politics that Arnold had turned in his resignation. Pure Politics first reported that Arnold was close to resigning at the end of August.

“I have received Rep. John Arnold’s resignation, and I respect his decision to step aside so that our legislators can focus instead on the business of the state. I will begin reviewing the options for calling a special election to make sure the people of the 7th district will be represented during the 2014 session of the General Assembly,” Beshear said in a statement Friday.

CNHI reporter Ronnie Ellis first reported the story on Arnold’s resignation.

Complaints to the Legislative Ethics Commission by two legislative staff members outline allegations of inappropriate touching and comments made by Arnold between 2010 and 2013. House Speaker Greg Stumbo said the resignation will not alleviate an investigation into Arnold’s conduct.

“The resignation of Rep. John Arnold does not change the fact that the House has appointed a special committee of investigation, and the only thing that will change is that the members will not have to make a recommendation of potential disciplinary action. We look forward to that committee beginning its work and providing feedback to the House,” Stumbo said in a statement.

About Nick Storm

Nick Storm is the Anchor and Managing Editor of Pure Politics, the only nightly program dedicated to Kentucky politics. Nick covers all of the political heavyweights and his investigative work brings to light issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, like the connection between the high profile Steubenville, Ohio rape and a Kentucky hacker whose push for further investigation could put him in federal prison. Nick is also working on a feature length bio documentary Outlaw Poet: A documentary on Ron Whitehead. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickStorm_cn2. Nick can be reached at 502-792-1107 or nicholas.storm@charter.com.